This unit focuses on the impacts of climate change on humans. Students participate in activities using "Character Cards" (included with the unit). The cards introduce fictitious citizens who describe the local economic, social and political factors...(View More) that impact their country's climate change issues/responses. In addition, students examine how their own energy and food choices impact climate change and then propose ideas to reduce their carbon footprint. The unit is one of four under the Chicago Botanic Garden curriculum entitled, "Climate Change in My Backyard."(View Less)

In this activity, learners replicate the scientific processes of observing, forming an explanation, revising and communicating about a model of a comet. Learners construct a model of features of a comet using an assortment of common craft supplies....(View More) This activity relates to several NASA comet missions such as Deep Impact, Stardust, Stardust-NExT, and EPOXI and can be used to emulate a process that scientists and engineers follow on all missions.(View Less)

This activity is designed to introduce students to planetary geologic features and processes. First, students will use NASA satellite images to identify geologic surface features on the "Blue Marble" (Earth), and will explore the connection between...(View More) those features and the geologic processes that created them. Using that information, students will then compare and discuss similar features on images from other planets. Included are the following materials: teacher's guide (with reference and resource information), student's guide (with activity sheets), and multiple cards of planetary images. Note that the range of targeted grade levels is quite broad; however, explicit adaptations for younger students are highlighted throughout the teacher's guide.(View Less)

This is a lesson about designing and building an effective sunshade for a model MESSENGER craft. Learners will build a model of MESSENGER. They will use a scientific approach to solve problems and work as a cooperative team. They will discover their...(View More) own strengths, and those of others, and will witness firsthand the importance of both successes and failures. This is activity 4 of 4 for the Pre-K - 4 range of "Staying Cool."(View Less)

This is a lesson about impact craters; the relationships between crater size, projectile size and projectile velocity; and the transfer of energy in the cratering process. Learners will create plaster of Paris or layered dry impact craters and...(View More) conduct controlled experiments using mass and velocity as the independent variables. Energy calculations for advanced classes, and vocabulary words are included. This is lesson 6 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries.(View Less)

This is a lesson about describing meteorites. Learners will observe and describe physical characteristics of an edible sample in preparation for describing rock or meteorite samples. They will work cooperatively in a team setting and use both oral...(View More) and written communication skills. Objectives, activities, vocabulary words, and experimental extensions are included. This is lesson 8 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries.(View Less)

Learners will make a model of the Moon's surface and consider the geologic processes and rocks of each area. This activity is in Unit 2 of the Exploring the Moon teachers guide, which is designed for use especially, but not exclusively, with the...(View More) Lunar Sample Disk program. Estimated materials cost does not include cost of binoculars or telescope.(View Less)

Learners will design and build models of life support systems for a settlement on the Moon. This activity is in Unit 3 of the Exploring the Moon teachers guide, which is designed for use especially, but not exclusively, with the Lunar Sample Disk...(View More) program.(View Less)

Learners will research and document some of the requirements for mounting an expedition to an asteroid; actively explore potential resources available to space travelers through research, assessment, team cooperation, and exploration simulations;...(View More) develop the background to make the connection between meteorite research and potential planetary resources; and map and core an edible asteroid. Materials lists, and advanced preparation and procedural tips are included. This is lesson 17 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries.(View Less)